Bahrain has introduced a new remote visual notarization service that allows Bahraini citizens living abroad to access ID card services digitally. The service, launched on April 19, 2025, streamlines the management of identification documents for citizens residing outside the kingdom. The initiative builds upon Bahrain’s growing digital identity infrastructure, which includes the eKey 2.0 system implemented by Batelco that uses facial recognition technology for secure authentication.
The initiative marks a significant advancement in Bahrain’s digital government services, enabling citizens to handle their ID card-related needs without physical visits to government offices. Deputy Chief Executive Duaa Sultan Mohammed oversees the implementation and management of this new digital service. The system uses similar technology to that deployed in Bahrain’s financial sector, where institutions like Bank ABC have implemented biometric identity verification for mobile banking services.
The remote visual notarization system gives Bahraini citizens abroad comprehensive access to essential ID card services through digital channels. The development supports Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to enhance and modernize government services through digital transformation. The kingdom has been actively expanding its digital identity capabilities, as demonstrated by recent partnerships like the one between Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company and Beyon Connect for mobile onboarding solutions.
While specific expansion plans have not been detailed, the launch shows Bahrain’s commitment to improving digital access to government services for its citizens worldwide. The system focuses on providing convenient solutions that accommodate the needs of Bahrainis regardless of their geographical location. The initiative follows a broader trend in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, where countries are increasingly adopting sophisticated digital identity solutions, as seen with Kuwait’s recent implementation of a three-tier verification system for its national mobile ID app.
The launch comes at a time when the global mobile identity API market is experiencing significant growth, with industry analysts projecting an increase from $2.4 billion to $22 billion by 2029, highlighting the increasing importance of secure, remote identity verification solutions worldwide.
Sources: BNA News, Bahrain Government Portal, Gulf Insider
